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    Welcome TO HAYS COUNTY!

    Hays County is in Central Texas. It was established in 1848. Our County Seat is
    San Marcos. Visit this
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    Announcements

    By Natalie Frels 18 Sep, 2024
    To view the original notice, click here . Notice of Open Deliberations Pursuant to Section 174.108 of the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act, this public notice is provided regarding deliberations relating to collective bargaining between: Hays County, Texas and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA) as the exclusive bargaining agent on behalf of the police officers of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays County Constable Offices Date/Time: Monday, September 23, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Location: Hays County Public Safety Building Room 1204 – EOC Room 810 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666 Subject: Contract negotiations providing for collective bargaining between Hays County, Texas (“County”) and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (“HCLEA”). Public Notice Members of the public and press are permitted to observe and monitor the deliberation, but active participation in discussions or presentations is expressly prohibited unless permitted by the Ground Rules established by the County and HCLEA. Representatives for either the County or HCLEA may suspend the meeting at any time during the proceedings for consultation with their respective attorney. Pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, the County’s deliberations during this period are closed to the public. Accessibility Statement for Disabled Persons. This meeting site is accessible to disabled persons as follows: the meeting room is on the first floor of the building and entrance to the building is accessible. Parking spaces reserved for disabled persons are in front of the entrance. The use of cellular phones or sound activated pager is prohibited while deliberations are being conducted. Please step outside the meeting room should you elect to utilize these devices.
    By Ysabella Aguilar 30 Aug, 2024
    To read the original notice, click here  This Notice is posted by the Hays County Judge pursuant to the Texas Open Meetings Act. (VERNONS TEXAS CODES ANN. GOV. CODE CH.551) and Chapter 152 of the Texas Local Government Code. The Hays County Salary Grievance Committee will hold a Public Hearing at 11:00 A.M. on the 6th day of September, 2024 , in the Hays County Courthouse, Room 301, San Marcos, Texas. A Public Hearing will be held concerning the following subjects: CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL 1. Presentation from counsel regarding Salary Grievance Committee procedures. 2. Hearing(s) regarding Grievances filed by elected officials in response the FY2025 budget. 3. Deliberation of Committee regarding Grievances filed. 4. Vote of Committee for each Grievance by paper ballot (or by other means, as determined by Committee). ADJOURNMENT Posted by or before 5:00 o'clock P.M. on the 30th day of August, 2024 SALARY GRIEVANCE COMMITTEE, HAYS COUNTY, TEXAS ______________________________________________ COUNTY CLERK
    By Natalie Frels 23 Aug, 2024
    To view the original notice, click here . Notice of Open Deliberations Pursuant to Section 174.108 of the Fire and Police Employee Relations Act, this public notice is provided regarding deliberations relating to collective bargaining between: Hays County, Texas and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (HCLEA) as the exclusive bargaining agent on behalf of the police officers of the Hays County Sheriff’s Office and the Hays County Constable Offices Date/Time: Monday, August 26, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Location: Hays County Public Safety Building Room 1304 – Dispatch Training Room 810 S. Stagecoach Trail San Marcos, Texas 78666 Subject: Contract negotiations providing for collective bargaining between Hays County, Texas (“County”) and the Hays County Law Enforcement Association (“HCLEA”). Public Notice Members of the public and press are permitted to observe and monitor the deliberation, but active participation in discussions or presentations is expressly prohibited unless permitted by the Ground Rules established by the County and HCLEA. Representatives for either the County or HCLEA may suspend the meeting at any time during the proceedings for consultation with their respective attorney. Pursuant to Section 551.071 of the Texas Government Code, the County’s deliberations during this period are closed to the public. Accessibility Statement for Disabled Persons. This meeting site is accessible to disabled persons as follows: the meeting room is on the first floor of the building and entrance to the building is accessible. Parking spaces reserved for disabled persons are in front of the entrance. The use of cellular phones or sound activated pager is prohibited while deliberations are being conducted. Please step outside the meeting room should you elect to utilize these devices.
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    News

    By Natalie Frels 30 Aug, 2024
    WIMBERLEY, Texas – A Texas Watershed Steward workshop on the Cypress Creek and Blanco River watersheds will be held on Sept. 24 in Wimberley. The free event will be held at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 Ranch Road 12, from 1 to 5 p.m. and is open to anyone interested in improving the region’s water quality. The event will be presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board in cooperation with the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University . Participants must pre-register by visiting the Texas Watershed Steward website at https://tws.tamu.edu/workshops/registration/ or by calling 979-321-5935. “This workshop is designed to help watershed residents learn about their water resources and how they may become involved in local watershed protection and management activities,” said Michael Kuitu, AgriLife Extension program specialist and coordinator for the Texas Watershed Steward program, Bryan-College Station. Once registered, additional meeting information will be provided, Kuitu said. Helping improve water quality in the Cypress Creek and Blanco River watersheds The workshop will include a discussion on watershed systems, along with types and sources of water pollution. There also will be a group discussion on community-driven watershed protection and management and an overview of water quality as it relates to watershed management at the local level. The public is encouraged to attend and learn not only about water quality management, but also how they may become involved in improving and maintaining the water quality of Cypress Creek and the Blanco River through best management practices. Though the workshop will provide an emphasis on local water resources, the information remains applicable to all waters throughout the region, Kuitu said. Light refreshments will be provided. Attendees will receive a copy of the Texas Watershed Steward Handbook and are eligible to earn a certificate of completion. Continuing education opportunities The Texas Watershed Steward program offers continuing education units, CEUs, for multiple professional disciplines. However, the quantity of continuing education offered may vary for select disciplines. CEUs will include four hours in the following professional disciplines: soil and water management for certified crop advisers, professional engineers, certified teachers, professional geoscientists and certified floodplain managers. American Institute of Certified Planners are eligible for four certification maintenance and one law hour. Four CEUs are also offered for each of the following Texas Commission on Environmental Quality occupational licensees: wastewater system operators, public water system operators, on-site sewage facility installers and landscape irrigators. In addition, three general CEUs are offered for Texas Department of Agriculture private pesticide applicator license holders, and two credits are offered for nutrient management specialists. For questions regarding professional continuing education afforded to attendees, contact Kuitu. Funding for this workshop is provided through a federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Nonpoint Source Grant administered by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency . For more information on the Texas Watershed Steward program, visit the Texas Watershed Steward website at tws.tamu.edu or contact Aaron McCoy at 512-393-2120, aaron.mccoy@ag.tamu.edu or Kuitu at 979-321-5935, michael.kuitu@ag.tamu.edu .
    By Natalie Frels 21 Aug, 2024
    SAN MARCOS, Texas—On Tuesday, Aug. 13, the Hays County Commissioners Court approved 5-0 an order calling a bond election for Nov. 5. The 2024 Road Bond would add a total of $0.02 per $100 valuation to the county tax rate, which is recommended at $0.35 per $100 valuation. “Our residents utilize roads daily and they continue to be one of the top issues of concern,” said Precinct 1 Commissioner Debbie Ingalsbe. “It is also important to have an open process to allow our residents to determine if this is a need they are willing to fund. I believe it is important to be conscientious about this bond's financial impact on our families.” Informational open houses will be held throughout the county in all precincts in order to better inform residents about the 2024 Road Bond prior to Election Day at times and locations to be announced at a future date. The proposed measure totaling $440 million focuses on projects already in the planning process to ensure continuity of projects and include shovel-ready projects. The selected projects will address substandard roadways to improve safety and increase capacity. As one of the fastest-growing counties, Hays County aims to increase commuter safety, mitigate congestion and create regional connectivity. According to the Transportation Department, key benefits of the 2024 Road Bond Program include the following: Improve Safety and Mobility: Improved roadways are essential for enhancing safety, reducing accident rates and ensuring better connectivity across the county. This bond has east-west connectors and the addition of shoulders to existing roadways, allowing for increased connectivity and safety. Respond to Rapid Population Growth: Hays County is rapidly growing, with the population expected to grow 267% by 2045. This rapid growth necessitates an updated and expanded transportation infrastructure to meet the increasing demands. Address Current Infrastructure: Many roads remain unchanged despite rapid population growth. An equitable bond budget per precinct ensures that all areas of the County are properly served. Continue Long-Term Planning: 2016 Road Bond projects that have been developed will now be built with this 2024 program. More project development will occur in the 2024 program to set up projects to be shovel-ready for future state and federal funding opportunities. Support Economic Development: Improved transportation networks can stimulate economic growth, attract businesses and enhance residents’ overall quality of life. “Our county’s road infrastructure and public facilities play a critical role in fostering economic growth, ensuring the safety of our residents, and providing essential services to the community,” said Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra. “By calling for a countywide bond for road infrastructure, we can revitalize our roadways, attract businesses, improve public safety and address the needs of our growing community. Investing in our county’s future is an investment in every citizen’s quality of life.” Precinct 1 projects totaling an estimated $118.5 million include: Old Bastrop Highway/CR 266 (Centerpoint Road to Rattler Road) Cotton Gin Road/CR 129 (Bonanza Street to SH 21) FM 2001 East Interim (Graef Road to Southeast of SH 21) William Pettus Road/CR 238 (FM 110 to SH 21) High Road/CR 127 (East of Goforth Road to SH 21) Leah Avenue (CR 269 to Cottonwood Parkway) Dairy Road (Bunton Lane to Cotton Gin Road CR 129) Goforth Road (Bunton Lane to Bebee Road/High Road) Bunton Lane/CR 153/Heidenreich Lane/Grist Mill Road (Violet Lane to SH 21) RM 150 East (Precinct 1 Boundary to SH 21) Precinct 1 Discretionary Projects Preliminary Design “The county will ask our voters to consider approving a road bond in November. As our county continues to grow, so does the need for a safer and improved transportation system. The east side has especially seen a deterioration of many major county roadways,” said Ingalsbe. “Many of the projects in Precinct 1, such as Gristmill, Cotton Gin and High Road, are west-to-east connectors from I-35 to Highway 21, which are very much needed for safety, mobility and connectivity. Also, the Old Bastrop Highway in the San Marcos area, which leads to the San Marcos High School, is important for the safety and mobility of our students and families.” She added, “Thinking regionally is an important aspect and many of the projects throughout the county have that idea in mind. It’s great working with our local municipal partners and our friends at TxDOT to leverage funds.” Precinct 2 projects totaling an estimated $104 million include: Windy Hill Road Interim (Purple Martin Avenue to FM 2001) Windy Hill Road Roundabout (Windy Hill at Shadow Creek Boulevard) Windy Hill Road Ultimate (Purple Martine Avenue to FM 2001) FM 2001 Gap (FM 2001 West to Existing FM 2001) Hillside Terrace (I-35 to FM 2001) Goforth Road (CR 158 to RM 150) RM 150 East Preliminary Design (Lehman Road to Precinct 2 Boundary) Precinct 2 Discretionary Projects Preliminary Design “There are numerous reasons for calling for the proposed road bond, but specifically we need to improve the safety and mobility of our road infrastructure to combat the rapid growth in our county and also to support the economic growth that is here now,” said Precinct 2 Commissioner Dr. Michelle Cohen. “It is important to address the dated road infrastructure that exists in our rural communities and continue the proactive long-term planning of our roads.” Precinct 3 projects totaling an estimated $109 million include: Centerpoint Road (I-35 to FM 2349/Hunter Road) Old Kyle Road (RM 12 to RM 3237) Yarrington Road (West of Arroyo Ranch to Old Stagecoach Road at RC 16) Yarrington Road (I-35 to Old Stagecoach Road) Dripping Springs Southwest Connection (U.S. 290 to Precinct 3 Boundary) Precinct 3 Discretionary Projects Preliminary Design “In order to keep up with the rapid growth in Hays County, we will introduce to the voters the option to make continued investments needed in infrastructure,” said Precinct 3 Commissioner Lon Shell. Precinct 4 projects totaling an estimated $107.7 million include: Darden Hill Road/CR 162 (East of Sawyer Ranch Road to RM 1826) Darden Hill Road Extension (RM 150 West of Springwood Road to West of Sawyer Ranch Road) RM 150 and RM 12 Intersection Improvements (RM 150 at RM 12) Fitzhugh Road/CR 101 (RM 12 to Travis County Line) Dripping Springs Southwest Connection (Precinct 4 Boundary to RM 12) Sawyer Ranch Road Pedestrian Walkway (Meadow Creek Drive to Darden Hill Road) Sawyer Ranch Road (U.S. 290 to Darden Hill Road) SH 45 Southwest Extension (FM 1626 to I-35) Old San Antonio Road Study (Main Street to Travis County Line) Precinct 4 Discretionary Projects Preliminary Design “Transportation and mobility and the ability of our residents to traverse the county safely is one of the highest priorities of the county,” said Precinct 4 Commissioner Walt Smith. “Given the massive growth in Hays County, and specifically in the Buda and Dripping Springs areas, the county must constantly identify needed improvements and changes, and the projects proposed in this bond have been well identified throughout to provide for the safe movement of our residents throughout the county.” The 2024 Road Bond will now go before voters in the November election. # # #
    By natalie frels 21 Aug, 2024
    SAN MARCOS, Texas – Following a budget hearing and public comment regarding the tax rate, the Hays County Commissioners Court voted 5-0 to set the proposed tax rate at $.35 per $100 valuation. The court also approved the proposed budget and elected official salaries and allowances. The increased rate aims to address critical areas of need within the county, including: increased funding for Collective Bargaining Market Adjustments for a total of $5 million in an effort to recruit and retain law enforcement staff; added to the Road & Bridge tax rate in order to address critical road infrastructure needs throughout the county; created a Family Liaison position under the Judicial Services Division in order to have a consistent staff member as a liaison for communication between those incarcerated and their loved ones; and expanded pre-trial diversion programs to reduce recidivism, said Hays County Budget Officer Vickie Dorsett. “Hays County continues to experience unprecedented growth and with this growth comes the need for safe communities, infrastructure and road improvements. While the FY25 proposed budget does include a tax rate increase, the overall tax rate of .35 cents is lower than the 1995 tax rate by 6.52 cents,” said Dorsett. “The Hays County Commissioners Court has made it a priority to maintain a low tax rate for our citizens. With our continued growth and conservative budget approach, the county continues to offer a high level of service and safe communities for our citizens.” An additional hearing will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 3. A final hearing on the proposed FY25 budget and tax rate will be held at 1 p.m. on Sept. 17 at the Hays County Courthouse in San Marcos.  For more information, visit www.hayscountytx.com/budget-office. # # #
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